THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CEBU IN THE LIGHT OF THE 4TH DIOCESAN SYNOD OF CEBU AND PCP II: PROFILE, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

This study determined the profile and problems of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in the
Archdiocese of Cebu with the end in view of providing suggestions to enhance the members’ spiritual life. The
study was conducted in three parishes within Metro Cebu, namely: Saint Joseph the Patriarch Parish, Mabolo, Cebu
City, Lord of the Agony Parish, Casuntingan, Mandaue City, and San Narciso Parish, Consolacion, Cebu. The
findings showed the following: 1) most of the respondents were members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Movement while only a few belonged to the El Shaddai and Couples for Christ groups, 2) there was a lack of
coordination between the parish priests and the members of the renewal movement, 3) the members of the renewal
movement lacked an in-depth understanding of their practices since they tended to focus on the charismatic gifts
rather than on the sacramental grace, 4) there was an overlapping of duties among the officers and members of the
renewal movement, 5) the members of the renewal movement were deficient in social advocacy and 6) the members
of the renewal movement needed to be updated on the latest trends with regard to the magisterial pronouncements of
the Church. Through these findings, the researcher came up with the following conclusions: 1) There is a need to
enhance the relationship between the parish priests and the members of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Movement. 2) The members of the renewal movement lack an in-depth understanding of their practices and that
they tend to focus more on the sacramentals rather than on the sacraments. 3) The members do not have a specific
idea as to the roles and functions of each. 4) Most of the members are indifferent to the problems facing society
today. 5) The members of the Renewal Movement are not abreast with the latest developments in the teachings of
the church.
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations were drawn: 1) The parish priest must be
constantly in touch with the activities of the Renewal Movement to strengthen the bond between him and those of
the members. 2) The members should undergo basic seminars related to sacraments in order to better underscore
their importance and relevance to contemporary man. 3) The leaders of the movement should meet as a collegial
body and clearly define the functions of each in order to avoid overlapping of duties. 4) The members should
develop social awareness and should get involved with whatever programs that would enhance such awareness. 5)
The members of the Renewal Movement should continuously search for fresh directions in order to make their
spiritual exercises more attuned with the call of the times.